The latest Yusei Kikuchi MLB and fantasy baseball news

Yhe Associated Press reports the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League have won the right to negotiate with highly sought after high school pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. The 18-year-old left-hander, who drew interest from several major league teams but opted to stay in Japan, was selected by six out of Japan's 12 professional teams in the amateur draft Thursday, Oct. 29.

Updating previous reports, Japanese pitching prospect Yusei Kikuchi has turned down offers from several Major League Baseball teams and will pitch in Japan next year, according to Reuters. As many as 10 professional teams in Japan, except the Yomiuri Giants and Hiroshima Toyo Carp, are expected to select him as their top pick at the Japanese amateur draft Thursday, Oct. 29, according to public broadcaster NHK.

ESPN.com reports Japanese prospect P Yusei Kikuchi may leave his decision on whether to sign a multi-million dollar deal with an MLB team up to his parents. He has met with eight MLB clubs and all 12 Japanese domestic teams.

The Dallas Morning News' Jeff Wilson reports Texas Rangers SP Derek Holland was in Japan Monday, Oct. 19, to meet with potential free agent SP Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi understands that he will have to pitch in the minor leagues if he chooses Major League Baseball and picked Holland's brain on the subject.